Changes in Antioxidant Enzyme Activity in Wheat Plants Exposed to Lead and Cadmium from Vehicular Emissions
Abstract
Vehicular emissions contribute significantly to environmental pollution, introducing heavy metals such as lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) into agricultural soils. This study investigates the impact of Pb and Cd exposure on antioxidant enzyme activities in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) plants. Wheat seedlings were subjected to varying concentrations of Pb and Cd to assess changes in the activities of key antioxidant enzymes, including superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and peroxidase (POD). The results indicated that exposure to these heavy metals induces oxidative stress in wheat plants, leading to alterations in antioxidant enzyme activities. Understanding these biochemical responses is crucial for developing strategies to mitigate the adverse effects of heavy metal pollution on crop productivity and food safety.
The increasing levels of vehicular emissions have led to the accumulation of heavy metals such as lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) in agricultural soils, posing a significant threat to crop productivity and food safety. Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), being a staple food crop, is particularly vulnerable to heavy metal stress. This study investigates the changes in antioxidant enzyme activity in wheat plants exposed to Pb and Cd from vehicular emissions. The research was conducted over two growing seasons in areas with varying levels of vehicular traffic. The activity of key antioxidant enzymes, including superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), peroxidase (POD), and glutathione reductase (GR), was measured in wheat leaves at different growth stages. The results indicated a significant increase in the activity of these enzymes in response to Pb and Cd stress, with the highest activity observed in plants from high-traffic areas. The findings suggest that wheat plants activate their antioxidant defense mechanisms to mitigate oxidative stress induced by heavy metal exposure. This study highlights the importance of monitoring heavy metal pollution in agricultural areas and understanding the physiological responses of crops to such stressors.
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